Deuteronomy 20: Lessons Regarding Spiritual Warfare

Learn God’s Word to prepare for spiritual warfare1

Introduction: Deuteronomy Chapter 20 continues a three-part exhortation on matters of life and death. The subject of this chapter is the laws of warfare. Moses set forth the rules of combat for when the Jews invaded the Promised Land. In many cases, the principles behind these rules also apply in modern warfare. These rules also tell us details that will unfold when Jesus the Messiah comes to wage war to retake the Promised Land and establish His peaceful 1,000-year reign. Because Jesus came to fulfill the Law, He will follow the Law when He wages war. The Law also has an important application for believers today. It reveals part of the rules of spiritual warfare. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12). While the Apostle Paul reveals in Ephesians the armaments used in spiritual warfare, Moses reveals in Deuteronomy the rules for spiritual warfare.

Spiritual warfare lessons revealed in the New Testament. Paul reveals that a believer is to wear “the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (Eph. 6:11, 13). The tools of spiritual warfare include seven components: (1) loins girded with truth, (2) the breastplate of righteousness, (3) feet covered “with the preparation of the gospel of peace”, (3) the shield of faith, (4) the helmet of salvation, (5) the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (6) prayer in the Spirit, and (7) petitions to God (Eph. 6:14-18; Heb. 4:12).

Spiritual warfare lessons revealed in the Old Testament. Moses reveals seven principles to follow when fighting a spiritual war. First, you must not be afraid. If you have fear, you lack faith, and God cannot use you in His army. Second, to be part of His army, you cannot expect to fight alone. Thus, you must encourage and restore others to fight with you for God. Third, to win your battles, you must let God fight them for you. If you are trying to fight your battles on your own, you are relying upon your flesh and not the Spirit. In most cases, God will not act if your actions are for your own glory. Fourth, in spiritual warfare, you cannot be unequally yoked with people who do not share your same commitment to God. Thus, you must not pair yourself with people who put the things of the world first. Fifth, war of any kind should only be fought as a last resort. Your goal should always be peace and restoration. Sixth, to be in His army, you must surrender to Jesus and become a slave to righteousness. Finally, you must fight any evil in your life that would destroy your walk with Him. Yet, you must not destroy it unnecessarily. People who were once enemies must be restored wherever possible to bear fruit for God.

1. You Can’t Fight in God’s Army if You Lack Faith that He Will Protect You. Dt. 20:1.

When you do God’s will, you never need to fear evil2

2. Encourage Others to Fight With You in God’s Army. Dt. 20:2-3.

You need to encourage others to succeed in spiritual warfare3

3. Give God the Glory and Let Him Fight Your Battles. Dt. 20:4.

Let God fight your battles4

4. Don’t Be Distracted or Unequally Yoked in Battle. Dt. 20:5-9.

5. Fight Only When Peace is Not Possible. Dt. 20:10.

Be a source of Jesus’ reconciliation and peace5

6. Surrender to Christ and Become a Slave to Righteousness. Dt. 20:11.

7. Destroy Only What Is Necessary to Purge Evil From Your Life. Dt. 20:16-20.